Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the pizza sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the tomato sauce, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld. Let it cool slightly before using.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Once the dough has doubled, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter (approximately 3-4 inches), cut out heart shapes from the dough. Re-roll the scraps as needed to get the most hearts possible.
- Place the heart-shaped dough pieces onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over each heart.
- Sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Add your desired toppings.
- Bake the Heart Shaped Mini Pizzas for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
If your dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. Conversely, if it's too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time. Don't overload your mini pizzas with toppings. While mozzarella is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a pinch of sugar to the tomato sauce mixture. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. These mini pizzas freeze beautifully! Bake them as directed, let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
